Where’s your teenager this Easter?

With the Easter holidays fast approaching, the Safer New Forest Partnership urges parents to check where their teenagers are going and who they are with.

A school holiday is a great chance for youngsters to unwind, but too much spare time can sometimes lead to antisocial behaviour.

Hampshire police hopes to prevent youngsters putting themselves in danger, causing distress to others or damaging the environment by asking parents of older children to find out what they will be doing.

New Forest South Sector Inspector Alex Reading said: “Please help us to keep your older children safe and out of danger this Easter by checking out their plans for the day. We ask parents to talk to their children about potential dangers and ask them to think about the consequences of antisocial behaviour.

“Alcohol can be a problem and young people can take it from home to share with friends without parents’ knowledge – so we suggest keeping any alcohol in a safe place and checking if any has gone missing.

“The New Forest has also experienced problems with fire-setting in rural areas and we hope parents will support us in spelling out the dangers of such irresponsible behaviour.”
Hampshire police will respond to any reports made to the 101 phone line. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Cllr Jill Cleary, New Forest District Council portfolio holder for Housing and Communities, said: “The Safer New Forest Partnership shares police concerns that older youngsters should let their parents know what they are doing each day and also be informed about the consequences of antisocial behaviour.”

Find out what’s on for young people in the New Forest on the council’s youth website inq.org.uk